WwII era jacket with patch

[meganamanda]

Hello,
I was directed to this forum to see if anyone might be able to give me some information on this jacket that was given to my father. I appreciate any info!
Megan

 

[DiamondDave]

Hello,
I was directed to this forum to see if anyone might be able to give me some information on this jacket that was given to my father. I appreciate any info!
MeganView attachment 25764

Greetings,

The jacket appears to have been an issued garment. It would help immensely to see the label at the neck of the jacket. Barring that, just some flat pics taken on The floor would help us to see details and perhaps identify your jacket.

DD

 

[Silver Surfer]

nifty a-2, and dd is correct, some pix of the jacket laid flat, and a pic of the label at the top back of the liner.

 

[meganamanda]

Hi! Thank you for the help. Here are photos of the jacket flat on the floor. There isn't a label. I appreciate the help!

 

[DiamondDave]

Knit skirt has been replaced. The width of the hanger bar is an indicator as this style was used by Aero, Beacon, NY. This is likely an Aero 15142 Or perhaps an early made jacket in the 18775 contract.

The Patch certainly looks original and may well be from a civilian radio school operating somewhere in the US, and training new cadets... Very interesting.

To the OP (meganamanda), the jacket is most assuredly original and correct for a garment made during WWII and issued to the United States Army Air Forces.

DD

 

[Grant]

FWIW, those two Aero contracts would be the last of seven Aero contracts, both dated 1942. Also, if there's a pocket label inside the right pocket, that might narrow it down to the 15142P contract. Sorry for the nerd out.

 

[DiamondDave]

FWIW, those two Aero contracts would be the last of seven Aero contracts, both dated 1942. Also, if there's a pocket label inside the right pocket, that might narrow it down to the 15142P contract. Sorry for the nerd out.

Likely both pockets if it is an Aero. Good catch Grant.

DD

 

[meganamanda]

There isn't a label in either pocket. Does that mean it isn't an aero?

 

[ausreenactor]

LOVE the Squadron patch.

 

[Grant]

No, it could still be an Aero, possibly the 18775 contract, or possibly the label has gone missing. The color of the lining, shape of the pockets all point to one of the later Aero contracts in my opinion. Could you post a pic of the pocket or collar snaps and zipper pull?

 

[meganamanda]

Here are the photos I have. Ill have to get a photo of the buttons tomorrow. My father has the flight records from the original owner of the jacket. He flew during WWII. Thank you for all the info!

 

[2BM2K]

The aircraft in the patch could be a p39 airacobra

 

[Brettafett]

I knew you guys would be able to come up with more info, so directed MM here.
I also thought it was certainly an Aero, shape of collar and pockets, mustard lining, hanger. etc... but wanted to ask... When did the USAAF begin adding the 'meatball' roundels on the shoulder as standard? This is not a repaint, and as the roundel appears to have been added in the factory or in theatre, likely a later war contract.
Have a look here:

Original U.S. WWII B-17 GREEN HORNET 359th Bomb Squadron A-2 Flight Jacket

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is an exceptional A2 leather flight jacket issued to a member of the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress GREEN HORNET, operating number 41-24603. It is offered in very good condition in size 36R. B-17F 41-24603 "Green Hornet", 303BG/359BS was assigned with a...

www.ima-usa.com

http://www.militaryaviationartifacts.com/jackets.htm and http://www.militaryaviationartifacts.com/images/5-10-19/IMG_4709.JPG

 

[2BM2K]

The Talon zipper is triple marked which means that the jacket could be the 21996 contract.

A closer photo of the label area showing the stitch marks might help.

When did the USAAF begin adding the 'meatball' roundels on the shoulder as standard?

The decals in1943

 

[DiamondDave]

See this is what this forum should be...solving mysteries and helping each other, instead of all the vitriol of late. All about the leather jacket love.

DD

 

[Grant]

word

 

[meganamanda]

Hi Guys,
Here are the detail photos. Let me know if additional photos would help. My dad was also given the jacket owner's flight logs. Thank you for helping to solve this mystery.
Megan

 

[Silver Surfer]

mid war aero, fer sure.

 

[foster]

So, I am speculating it could be one of these contracts:
21996
15142
18775

I am leaning toward the 21996 due to the triple marked Talon zipper, the russet hide and the fact that the collar snap studs do not pass through the lining. I do know others here are more knowledgeable than myself on these details, and I am always glad to be corrected.

 

[2BM2K]

Ditto.

For some reason it looks like a 21996.

The patch is still a mystery.